By Rev. Brian Gauthier, Photo: Johanna Heidorn

For the first time in two years, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panamá hosted a Luther Academy conference. Luther Academy provides continuing theological education courses in intensive formats to strengthen and assist pastors and leaders throughout churches in Latin America and around the world.

Rev. Carlos Schumann taught the intensive on Ecclesiology, helping the Panamanian Church understand what the Church is, how she does what she does, and why that is important. Ten pastors and leaders from four of the congregations participated in the conference, enjoying study and fellowship with each other.

Rev. Dan McMiller, Executive Director for the Office of International Mission, was also present for the conference. That was a special surprise, as Pr. McMiller served as an LCMS missionary in Panamá from 1999-2003, helping plant the congregations in Los Andes and Sorá, as well as training and ordaining Pastor Patricio Mora.

In the coming months Pastor Brian Gauthier will be teaching a more abbreviated version of this course in the various congregations.

Author Rev. Brian Gauthier serves the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as a missionary in Panamá. Brian coordinates all theological education in Panamá in conjunction with Luther Academy and Concordia Seminary & Mercy Center in Palmar Arriba, Dominican Republic. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the seminary.